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"Is this a romantic encounter?"
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2024-10-29 19:42:56As Emily hesitated to speak, the words stuck in her throat. After a moment, she finally said, "I went to see Ronald Richardson the other day, and Murray was there. Turns out, they've been close friends since childhood."
She paused, choosing not to share Murray's offensive remarks from that day with Sandy, and instead said more gently, "I feel like Murray might be getting tired of me."
"Well, that's a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to him. You don't need him, and I don't want to see you bending over backward to please a man," Sandy firmly stated. She always believed in independence, even if it meant a tougher path to vengeance.
Emily sighed, "We've been trying to find a lead in the Gibson family for years, and now that we're finally close, it feels too unsatisfactory to just walk away empty-handed."
"What makes you think he's tired of you?"
Sandy, inexperienced in romantic rel
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Moon Bay, the heart of the Gibson family, nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, was a serene haven, for it was the sole property of the Gibson estate.Typically, only the family patriarch resided there.The Gibsons, while esteemed, were not a populous branch.Ellis Gibson, the eldest, married into banking royalty, tying the knot with Madge McCarthy. Together, they had a son and a daughter.Magee Gibson, Ellis's firstborn, was two years older than Murray and the esteemed first grandchild of the third generation.His sister, Erica Gibson, a high school student, was a bright presence in their lives.Murray's father, Bruce Gibson, was the second son. He and his wife, Georgia Adelaide, were blessed with only Murray.The youngest Gibson, married to the Oakking heiress Veromca Isaac, enjoyed an arranged marriage but was fortunate, welcoming
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Standing beside the patriarch, Magee responded with a smile, pouring a cup of tea for the old man. "Dad is discussing the bank loan and will be here soon."Turning to Murray, he added, "Dad mentioned that Murray's been busy with his new dock project, Fiduinvest. He needs funds, and seeking help from grandfather is also a way to contribute to the Gibson family."The patriarch's eyes narrowed slightly as he resumed puffing on his cigar.The investment in Fiduinvest was Murray's personal decision, not involving any company funds. Even if Murray had proposed using the company for this investment, the patriarch would likely have opposed it. The past collaboration with Devin Cromwell under Lambert Gibson's leadership had been lackluster; there was no need to waste more resources on a fading venture.However, Murray's acquisition of Dock 9 through Cromwell was unexpected for the patriarch.
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Emily and her friends chose a quaint restaurant nestled in a small alley in the city center's bustling commercial street. Compact in size, it barely accommodated five tables and was a favorite among many regulars. Without a reservation, securing a spot was nearly impossible.Emily had called two days in advance, carefully selecting their favorite dishes for the occasion.It had been half a year since their last gathering, and the trio had much to catch up on. Engrossed in conversation and frequently toasting, they inadvertently drank more than intended.When Murray's call came through, Emily glanced at her phone, her eyes already slightly unfocused.Holding her phone unsteadily, she fumbled with the screen several times before answering, her words slurred, "Hello, who's this?"Murray, frowning, asked, "Where are you?"Recognizing his voice, Emily swayed to he
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"You hit someone and won't get out of the car, just hiding inside like a turtle retracting into its shell? What's this about?""Think driving a luxury car makes you so special, huh? Hit someone and just ignore it?""If you don't get out, we're coming in."Suddenly, as if emerging from thin air, seven or eight people, relatives of the injured, surrounded the car, hurling insults incessantly.Such organized and disciplined street blockading signaled they were dealing with a professional scam team.Murray massaged his temples, his hand slamming the horn forcefully, momentarily silencing the outside clamor.His brows furrowed darkly, "How much do you want? Name your price."The few outside exchanged glances, inwardly rejoicing for finding an easy mark."First, get out and see the condition of the person. Don't accuse us of extortion later." The middle-aged woman negotiating by the car smiled amicably.Murray didn't even spar
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Cornelius unlocked his tablet, tapped a few times, and brought up the guest list. "Matthew from KJL Bank, Oswald from Hogbridge, and Zechariah from the Rhein Group…"At the mention of Ford Zechariah's name, Murray paused. There were no recent business dealings between Bucapital and the Zechariah family.Murray frowned, "Ford Zechariah?""I'm sorry, boss. It was an oversight on my part."Murray gave him a sharp look, then flicked half of his cigarette into the trash. "You weren't being careless. You were being too clever for your own good."Cornelius felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He knew well that the boss despised those who couldn't distinguish between personal and professional matters. They were discussing business here, and he had foolishly brought up personal sentiments—specifically, his boss's.Cornelius hung his head, holding
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Falling for My Contract Lover "No, it's because I loved him too much"
Veronica Isaac exclaimed in surprise, "You know that girl?"Georgia Adelaide sighed and nodded in acknowledgment."Is there something wrong with the girl's character?" Apart from this, Veronica Isaac couldn't understand why Georgia Adelaide would want to separate Murray and the girl.Georgia Adelaide lowered her head, her hands clasped together, fingers nervously entwined, before she finally murmured, "I asked Murray. The girl's parents are no longer with us, and she's alone ... her circumstances aren't very good."Hearing this from Georgia Adelaide, Veronica Isaac simply couldn't comprehend, her brow involuntarily furrowing. She wanted to speak her mind but felt inappropriate in front of the younger generation.Glancing at Erica, she spoke gently, "Why don't you take your sister to see your grandfather? I need to talk with your aunt."Erica obediently nodded
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"Is it well peeled?" Holding up the neatly peeled apple, Emily smiled with her eyes curving into crescents. "Look, I didn't break the peel even once."Elton opened his mouth but suddenly found himself at a loss for words. An invisible wall stood between them, unseen yet palpably separating them."Mr. Cromwell, may I come in?" Sandy stood at the door with her laptop, her arrival seemingly a rescue for Elton."Come in."Emily stood up. "If you need to discuss work, I won't intrude."Elton politely insisted it was okay for her to stay, but Emily mentioned that now that she, too, worked at the company, it was proper to follow protocol.Elton didn't press her to stay any longer.Before leaving, Sandy gave Emily a knowing wink, and Emily nodded in understanding.Once outside the hospital, Emily searched on her phone for the nearest mall. She planned to do some shopping. Ronald had called her, pleading for her to attend his mother's b
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Falling for My Contract Lover "Miss, has anyone here restricted your freedom?"
As Elton left with Odelia, he avoided Emily's gaze. However, Emily stopped him with a smile, "You should go to the hospital first."Elton looked up, meeting her smiling face. She spoke with concern, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkling brightness. Suddenly, his steps felt unbearably heavy, as if they were laden with lead."Are you coming or not?" Odelia impatiently tugged at his sleeve.Regaining his composure, Elton sighed, hunched over, and slowly shuffled out."If you want to cry, just let it out," Humphrey, lounging on the sofa, his arm supporting his head, said to Emily with an amused smile.Emily sensed a change in the atmosphere after the two left. Humphrey's demeanor shifted from malicious mockery to a gentle familiarity, unintentionally lowering her guard.Standing for so long, her legs had become numb. Emily moved to sit on the sofa opposite Humphrey, her tone calm, "Why should I cry?"Humphrey, lips curled in a meaning
Falling for My Contract Lover "Don't act yet"
As he spoke, Humphrey paused briefly, his gaze unabashedly sweeping over Emily."Out of the two, one must stay with me today. As for who stays, you decide."He leaned back into the sofa, seemingly amused by his own game. Resting his chin on the back of his hand, he chuckled lightly.Emily looked at Elton, seeing him clench his teeth, his eyes bloodshot with anger.Clinging to Humphrey's leg, Odelia complained, "I'm your girlfriend; how can you say such things in front of me?""Girlfriend?" Humphrey laughed so hard his shoulders shook. He wrapped an arm around her, his voice soft but his eyes chillingly cold, "I have many pets, but certainly no girlfriend."Odelia turned pale, incredulous, "You see me as your pet?"Humphrey laughed again, "You're not even a pet, to be precise, a toy.""No, that's not true. You've
Falling for My Contract Lover "you're lucky to have two beautiful sisters"
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